ELE Speakers List

Here is a list of previous speakers and lectures of English Language Evenings.
(Note, all the meetings listed below of the first three seasons were held when the ELE was called the "English Language Discussion Club" [ELDC].)All those listed below gave of their time and energy to speak to the ELE for which they are thanked!

18th season (2015/2016)

May 20, 2016

'A Tourist in North Korea'Images and Impressions

Ian Luyt

Ian Luyt has lived and worked in Moscow for over 14 years. He is a photographer and occasional travel writer and in real life a consultant in the food and agribusiness sectors. He works with importers of fine foods from South Africa into the Russian market.

April 22, 2016

"U.S. Presidential Elections: Is There a Patterning of Electoral Outcomes?"

Joseph Mancos

Since the industrialization of U.S. society in the 1890's, the outcome of Presidential elections appears to follow a pattern based on shifts in the electorate within each of the two political parties. These shifts are a response to crises that develop in American society. The intent of this lecture is to discuss these crises and the impact on past and future Presidential elections. This patterning of electoral behavior can perhaps predict the winner of the 2016 Presidential election.
Joseph Mancos is a Professor of Political Science at Lenoir-Rhyne University in North Carolina. He teaches courses in American politics, Constitutional Law, and political economy. Joseph is currently in Russia under a Fulbright grant to teach a course in the political history of the United States at Moscow State Pedagogical University. Joseph has visited Russia on five different occasions first coming to Moscow in 1977. He has twice brought students from his university to tour the cities of Moscow and St. Petersburg. Joseph is captivated by the Russian culture and people, and always looks forward to visiting Moscow.

On the 26th February, Martin Williams, a teacher and writer will deliver a lecture:

How Many Englishes Are There?

British English. American English. Australian English. Indian English. Business English. Dental English. Exam English. Formal English. Colloquial English. Written English. Spoken English. Accents. Dialects. There are so many ways in which English is classified, this lecture is designed to stimulate discussion about the merits of different Englishes and the ways in which they are correctly or incorrectly categorised.

February 12, 2016

It's Too Late to Stop Now... on being educated by music in America.

John Freedman will deliver a lecture on February the 12th entitled: It's Too Late to Stop Now... on being educated by music in America.
John Freedman has made his living writing about Russian theater, drama and literature, but his secret love is American music, or, at least, music inspired by American music. That means rock, jazz, folk, anything that musically reflects the American idiom. That may mean the music of Irishman Van Morrison, one of the greatest interpreters of American music ever, or it may mean Bob Dylan, who has incorporated and transformed the American musical idiom more than anyone else in his time. John spent his early years in the 1970s near Los Angeles driving into the city to catch all - or, at least, most - of the great musicians coming through town. He still lives by what they taught him, or, as Bruce Sprinsteen famously sang: "I learned more from a three-minute record, baby, than I ever learned in school!"

January 29, 2016

"Scotland the Brave!"

On the 29th of January, Ian Mitchell will give an overview of Scotland's thousand year-long relationship with England, the three hundred year-long story of the Union between the two countries and the hundred year-long growth of ideas in Scotland for unravelling that Union. He will end with a personal assessment of the likelihood of that coming to pass in the near future.
If anyone has a St. Andrews flag, kilt, tartan clothes, anything Scottish, please wear them!

"What is 'Truth'?" (Following on his talk on "Beauty" last ELE season, and his talk on "Goodness" on September 19 -- in this lecture David will address the final of the three verities of many philosophers.)

Mani was Iranian prophet and the founder of Manichaeism, a Gnostic religion of 3rd century AD in the Sasanian Empire. He was also a writer and painter of miniatures. Manichaeism absorbed and claimed to surpass the teachings of Zoroastrianism, Buddhism and Christianity. Based on a dualism of Light and Darkness and Good and Evil in the world -- its ideas directly or indirectly influenced much subsequent thought and belief, even onto today. Mani declared himself as an apostle of Jesus Christ. As a Gnostic religion it spread east from Iran to China and west from Mesopotamia to the Roman Empire up to the Middle Ages, and beyond.

Andrew Wolpert -- Former lecturer in literature, language, history of art at Emerson College, England; currently at the teacher training college Freie Hochschule University in Stuttgart with a focus on English language, culture, history, art of the Renaissance, William Shakespeare, Language and Christology; lectures world-wide and gives seminars on Literature, Philology, and the History of Art.

March 13, 2015 NOTE: This event will take place in the "reading room" of the Chekhov Library.

Quiz Night! -- So you think you know Russia? Prove it, take the test! Prizes for the brightest & best!!

"Stories That Change Perception"
David about this lecture: "Remarkable individuals influence our lives. In retrospect we find that there were moments when we really felt alive because our minds, no, our whole essence, seemed more capable of understanding our existence. Why are some people are more remarkable and individualized than others?"

David Wansbrough, poet, painter, author, speaker

May 8, 2015

"Stories from Life...What Is Considered 'Normal'?"

Every person has a "Baseline for Normal" created from family, culture, environment and experience. This familiar condition of "normal" is regarded by many people as healthy or OK because it is so common; however in actuality, the baseline often is quite unhealthy.
Starting in 2002, Marilyn Murray has had the unique opportunity of listening to the personal stories of over 2,800 persons who were raised in the former USSR.. She will share portions of these stories as they reflect the "Baselines for Normal" of these participants and their families. She will discuss the long-term effects of unhealthy norms and the results of changing to healthy, new baselines.

Four-in-One ELE! (NB: This will be the last ELE lecture of the 17th season, and the last lecture of "ELE I".)
This will be a 4-in-1 ELE. There will be: 1. A review of the history of ELE I, with an introduction of the host of ELE II: John Harrison, 2. A book launch of Stephen's second book: a collection of essays newly translated into Russian, 3. A time for remembrances of ELE, and farewells to Stephen (moving to Concord, MA), 4. A small party!

16th season (2013/2014)

September 20, 2013

"Boring Lecture? Change Your Mind! Lessons Learned from 15 years of Lectures with ELE"
You will never experience a lecture the same way again!

Prof. Manoucher Parvin, widely known as a polymath, has published novels, poems, short-stories, and numerous scholarly works in various fields of social science. For further information see: www.mparvin.com

September 28, 2012

"Marshal Georgy Zhukov: Russian Hero or Stalin's Stooge?"

Professor Geoffrey Roberts, author of a major new biography Stalin's General: The Life of Georgy Zhukov, will explore Zhukov's turbulent life and career and assess whether or not he was the greatest general of the Second World War who saved Russia and Europe from Nazi barbarism. British by birth, Professor Roberts is Head of the School of History at University College Cork, Ireland. He is the author of many previous works on Soviet history, including the acclaimed and controversial Stalin's Wars: From World War ti Cold War, 1939-1953. For more information see: www.geoffreyroberts.net

We have prepared a Party - Friday, December 14, 19:00 - to congratulate Stephen on his Birthday this week.
Please come if you can. It is going to be a unique ELE - with Happy Music of the 60s-70s, pictures of those times, the once-in-a-lifetime chance to hear Stephen's Life Story leading to ELE's success in Russia, a number of friendly ELE ceremonies and a classic Birthday Party with dancing and goodies to complete the happiness.
We are waiting for You. Let us make a present to Stephen by creating the Happy Day he remembers. (You are most welcome to bring any goodies appropriate for Birthday Parties with you).

Thank You!

Please click here to see some photos of Stephen's Dec 14th, 2012 ELE/Birthday party, followed by the requested recipe of the birthday carrot cake made by Oksana Danchevskaya!

December 28, 2012

2012 Christmas party

English Language Evenings invites everybody to its Christmas party on December 28 from 7-10 pm!!!

John Kopiski, Farmer, Extremist, Pensioner, Patriot; Brit living in Russia since 1991, Russian Citizen since 1997. See an interview with him, in Russian, about his life in Russia. Bogdarnya on Facebook.

Nikolai Miklouho-Maclay lived a strange life. Expelled from Russian education as a nobleman who identified with common people, he briefly studied with Haeckel the evolutionary biologist. Although carrying a letter from Huxley, he did not believe in the superiority of the European races, and was the first white man to live in New Guinea (the previously named Cannibal Coast is now named the Maclay Coast after him). He founded a large marine biology institute in Australia and fearlessly married the Prime Minister's daughter. He created many aboriginal dictionaries and gave 34 scientific lectures to the Linnaean Society before returning to die in Russia. A pension was granted to his wife, his children and descendants by Tsar Alexander III. This was continued by Nikolai II, Lenin and for many years by Stalin. There is one grandson in Australia still living who received each month communist silver rubles. Why is Miklouho-Maclay almost unknown in the West?

American Erin Bouma will speak on Christmas Time Experiences, followed by A CHRISTMAS PARTY!
For more information, click: CHRISTMAS Party!
Click here to see the photo report on 2011 Christmas Party

January 13, 2012

"Comrade Cowboy -- Building a Russian Beef Industry"Darrell Stevenson
A Montana Breeding Ranch Owner -- who is transplanting a ranch, complete with horses and cowboys, to the Voronezh region in southern Russia

January 20, 2012

"The Facebook Revolution: How Social Media Is Changing Russia"
Tim Wall
Editor-in-Chief, The Moscow News

February 10, 2012

"'Houston, we have a problem!' -- International Relations in Space Travel"
Steve Quenneville
NASA International Liaison Specialist -- Houston-Korolyov

"Experiences of Young Diplomats Representing a Democratic South Africa"
Fulu Themeli, Second Secretary Political and Thembani Maluleke, Third Secretary Political, South African Embassy, Moscow
New in Moscow, seeing snow for their first time, two young diplomats will speak about growing up in rural areas of South Africa, being accepted into the cadet programme of the Department of International Relations and Co-operation and now discovering themselves in a world remote from anything they have ever imagined before.

March 16, 2012

ST. PATRICK'S ELE PARTY!
Irish music, discussion on Irish culture, buffet and games.
Welcome to the Party! The fun starts at 19:00, consists of games, dance, songs and continues till around 21:30.
Click here to see the photo report on 2012 St. Patrick Party

March 23, 2012

"From Beverly Hills to Moscow: How in the World I Got Here and Why I Brought Over 80 Hollywood Stars!"Bob Van RonkelAmerican Producer and the President of "Doors to Hollywood", a company that in the last 10 years has brought over 80 world famous Hollywood stars and bands to Russia and other countries for many different festivals, parties, special events and concerts.

"Woman Wanted: Must Fit All the Stereotypes"A Conversation with Helen WomackAuthor, Journalist (The Times of London, The Sydney Morning Herald, et al)

May 18, 2012

"America's Chocolate Wars!"
Kore Gleason
Director -- American Center Moscow
Chocolate has long hypnotized children and adults alike, believed for thousands of years to contain spiritual, medicinal and romantic powers. Myths from many cultures describe cacao as the food of the gods, and it's hard not to feel a slice of divinity when that piece of chocolate melts in your mouth! The business of chocolate in the U.S. is anything but sweet. The stories and personalities of the founders of America's greatest chocolate empires - Milton Hershey and Forrest Mars - plunge us into tales of creativity, espionage, personality clashes and high secretive techniques that have left companies in lawsuits and political wrangling. Come learn more about the mystery and intrigue of the world of America's sweets; you won't look at an American candy the same again!

May 25, 2012

"Seeing Ourselves in the Other - Lessons from the Rwanda Genocide"Carl WilkensDirector of World Outside My Shoes Foundation
A humanitarian aid worker, Carl Wilkens moved to Rwanda with his family in 1990. When the genocide began in April 1994, Wilkens refused to leave. He was the only American to remain in the country, though thousands of expatriates evacuated and the United Nations pulled out most of their troops. Come and hear his story of these events.

13th season (2010/2011)

September 24, 2010
"David's New Zealand Childhood"David WansbroughPoet, author, lecturer, painter, performer, preacher, teacher...Very popular ELE speaker David Wansbrough will tell stories about his life in New Zealand. If you have neven heard David speak, it is an evening experience you wont forget!

October 1, 2010
"Experiences with Couchsurfers and American Literature in Moscow"Erin BoumaAuthor, Lecturer, EL teacher, Assistant Editor English; host of American Literature club at the American Center in the Library of Foreign Literature This lecture will be 100 rubles, as it is also a fund-raiser for Erin with her visa ordeals!

October 15, 2010"Great Individuals in History"David WansbroughIn sum: a kind of bard.If you have not attended a talk with David, it is an evening you should regret if you never experience one! Come early to get a good seat!This lecture will be 100r, as it is to help defray David's travel expenses.

October 22, 2010"The Russian Word's Worth: Charting Change through Language"Michele BerdyFamous Moscow Times Columnist! Michele is publishing a book, and copies will be for sale that evening. (You can learn about it by clicking here.)

November 12, 2010"Conservation of Khamchatka's Natural Heritage"
Laura WilliamsAuthor The Storks Nest: Life and Love in the Russian Countryside, Senior Advisor for Wild Salmon Center and World Wildlife Fund Russia. For more information, see the website of Laura's husband Igor Shpilenok.

November 26, 2010
"The Nature of Evil: A Challenge to Human Consciousness"Robert StewartLecturer, Waldorf School History Teacher To locate copy to print of lecture handout, click here.

February 25, 2011"American Theatre State of the Art"Thomas Santos
English Language Officer, U.S. Embassy in Moscow

March 11, 2011"Pop English: Learning to Speak via Horror Stories and Daytime TV "Natalia Antonova, Deputy Editor-in-Chief of The Moscow News
Fluent in English and Russian, with a degree in English Literature with distinction at Duke University in North Carolina, playwright and currently Deputy Editor-in-Chief of The Moscow News

April 1, 2011"The Psychology of Jokes"David WansbroughPoet, author, lecturer, painter, performer, preacher, teacher... Very popular ELE speaker.If you have neven heard David speak, it is an evening experience you wont forget!

TUESDAY June 7, 2011Tea Party Nation: The State of American Politics in 2011David FiresteinVice President of the East-West Institute (a New York City-Based Foreign Policy Think Tank)David spoke 5 times to ELE in 2000-2002, and was a very popular speaker.Visiting Moscow, ELE is happy to be able to host this talk!

12th season (2009/2010)

September 18, 2009
"ANIMAL RIGHTS AND HUMAN WRONGS:Animal Welfare Developments in Britain and Russia from the 19th Century to the Present Day."James HoganVice ChairmanMayhew Animal Home & Humane Education Centre, London

September 25, 2009"How do we see?" A lecture on how we selectively see. How our belief structures and education determine our personal worlds.David WansbroughAuthor, Lecturer, Poet

October 9, 2009br>"Finding Identity in Multi-Cultural Australia"David WansbroughAuthor, Lecturer, PoetThis will be his last ELE before returning to Australia

December 11, 2009"Art & Literature in London & Moscow – International Cultural Relations & the Work of the British Council in Russia"Rosemary Hilhorst, Director British Council RussiaDecember 18, 2009"Twas the Week Before Christmas... - An Evening on the History, the Heart and Soul, and the Celebration of Christmas in America"Stephen Lapeyrouse, Founder of ELE, Author, Editor

January 22, 2010
"Covering Russia: Reflections on Reporting Russia" (Rather than a lecture, this will be a conversation on the topic, with...)Fred WeirMoscow Correspondent for The Christian Science Monitor

TUESDAY April 7, 2009"The Evolution of Consciousness as 'Pictured' in the History of Art"Slide Show and Presentation by
Robert Stewart, Waldorf Teacher, LecturerTUESDAY April 21, 2009"Space Shuttle Flight-118: A Mission to Build the International Space Station"Slide Show and PresentationBenjamin Alvin Drew, Jr. (Colonel, USAF), NASA Astronaut (12 days in space in 2007)Director of NASA Operations at ЦПК (Gagarin Center for Cosmonaut Preparation)

February 15, 2008Life in New ZealandRowena HumeDeputy Head of Mission, New Zealand Embassy

March 7, 2008Peter Kropotkin - Revolutionary Idea(l)s that Apply TodayRoss HunterHeadmaster, English International School (Moscow)

March 14, 2008The Body Phantastique:Anatomy and Physiology from the Point of View of Soul and SpiritBy Robert StewartDirector of the Institute for Advanced Homeopathic Studies,Trained Waldorf Art History Teacher

April 11, 2008Who is Barak Obama?By Michael CordyPrivate Consultant

April 25, 2008
Why do people hate poetry?
David WansbroughAustralian poet, author, lecturer

May 16, 2008A Cabaret!: Moscow is mad! -- Reflections on Beautiful, Terrible, Wonderful, Mad MoscowRather than a simple lecture, David Wansbrough describes his May 16 evening "Moscow is mad!" as a "cabaret performance, with singers, storytelling, illusions and delusions...about life in Moscow"David WansbroughAustralian poet, author, lecturer

May 30, 2008
Highlights and Insights to 18 Years in Russia -- Thoughts at DepartingErin BoumaFreelance teacher, Teacher Trainer, Coursebook author, Leader of American Literature Discussion Club in Moscow

June 24, 2008The Cabaret of Professor Woland!
David Wansbrough, poet and author

9th season (2006/2007)

October 13, 2006Irish Writers on Continental Europe during theSecond World War -- Samuel Beckett, James Joyce and Francis StuartDr Niall KeoghVisiting Lecturer in Department of History at MSU

December 15, 2006"An Octogenarian Journalist Looks Back at Changes in the World --Growing Up in Different Eras and Witnessing a Global Paradigm Shift"Charles Wiley Veteran News Correspondent who has lectured in 100 countries, and had worldwide experiences since World War II.

February 2, 2007Communist Collapse, Currency Crash, and Petroleum Power: Impressions of a Foreign Correspondent in Moscow James RodgersBBC Correspondent

May 15, 2007W. B. Yeats -- Poet for the FutureDavid WansbroughAustralian Poet, Writer, LecturerOne of the most popular ELE speakers -- now rarely in Moscow. Come early if you want a seat!

May 22, 2007Ireland -- Present and PastMr Aidan KirwanDeputy Head of Mission, Embassy of Ireland to the Russian Federation

Charity Donation:On the last meeting of this season, ELE will, as usual, donate the speakers' honoraria to a charity in Moscow. This time it will be donated to Big Brothers, Big Sisters in Moscow on behalf of the following speakers during the past two years: Bob Beatty, James Beatty, Michele Berdy, Tobias Bradford, Bill Gasperini, John Harrison, Niall Keogh, Nadja Krylov, Masha Lippmann, Boris Martinovich, Lionel Ponsard, James Rodgers, Jeff Sexton, Raymond Stultz, Charles Wiley.IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN "BIG BROTHERS, BIG SISTERS" AND POSSIBLY VOLUNTEERING, AND WOULD LIKE MORE INFORMATION, CLICK HERE.

May 25, 2007The Mysterious Wisdom of English Nursery RhymesDavid WansbroughAustralian Poet, Writer, LecturerOne of the most popular ELE speakers -- now rarely in Moscow. Come early if you want a seat!

December 23, 2005ELE MEETS FRIDAY 23 DECEMBERELE will meet for an open conversation on the topic:"Christmas and New Year: What Do They Mean to You, Our Nations and Our Cultures?"This will be an evening moderated by ELE host Stephen Lapeyrouse, where everyone will be able to come to the stage and express their personal views on this evening's topic.

February 10, 2006Tobias BradfordSecond Secretary, Public Affairs US Embassy Moscow"Civil Society: the Roots of a Dynamic Community "

February 21, 2006Erin BoumaEditor Newspaper English, English Language Teacher"LESSONS LEARNED: What 15 years in Russia have taught an American"

March 24, 2006Dr. Bob BeattyAssistant Professor of Political Science,Washburn University"US Politics and the Dynamics of the Iraq Conflict"April 14, 2006Piers GladstoneFree-lance Travel Writer"Inner States - The Story of a Journey to Discover What the American Flag Means to Americans"

April 21, 2006Erin BoumaEditor Newspaper English, Lecturer, English Language Teacher"Discover America through its Literature – Historical and Regional Aspects of America Captured in Novels, Short Stories, Plays and Poetry"

May 12, 2006Tobias Bradford,Second Secretary, Public Affairs US Embassy Moscow"The Roots of Terrorism"May 26, 2006John BonarPhoto Journalist"Across Russia in a Mad Winter Car Race"An account of the 2006 Murmansk-Vladivostok Expedition Trophy car race, from February 23rd to Vladivostok on March 8th.

November 12, 2004Lecturer:Martha SteffensVisiting Professor, Moscow State UniversityChair of Business and Financial JournalismUniversity of Missouri" Bad News from Russia: Why Fearful Journalists Can't Report the News"

November 26, 2004:Lecturer:Masha LipmanPro and Contra Editor; monthly op-ed columnist for the Washington Post; often and regularly interviewed by major Western news media on Russia; contributor to many publications, e.g. New Yorker, Moscow Times.Russia Groping for Self Identity: 1917, 1990, 1612

January 21, 2005:John BrownInstitute for the Study of DiplomacyGeorgetown UniversityWashington DCRe-Inventing Oneself in America -- Revisited

February 11, 2005: Mary SheaAmerican Councils, Future Leaders Exchange(FLEX)-EURASIA Alumni CoordinatorAn Evening with Some of New England's Legends:Introducing Mark Twain, Henry Thoreau, Sojourner Truth, John F. Kennedy and a Few of Their Friends

February 25, 2005:Kirsten LodgeFulbright-Hays Fellow to RussiaColumbia University Doctoral CandidateDecadence in Russian Poetry

March 18, 2005 (Day after St. Patrick's Day)John WalshIrish LecturerAn Irish Journey: A Brief History of Ireland

April 1, 2005David WansbroughAustralian Poet, Author, Lecturer
Know the Dark Side: What is the Shadow of the Soul(Note: this may be David's last visit to Russia.)

April 22, 2005His Excellency Justin HarmanIrish Ambassador to RussiaIreland: A TransformationNOTE: THIS LECTURE WILL BE HELD AT THE IRISH EMBASSY. A PASSPORT IS REQUIRED FOR ENTRANCE.Entrance after 18:30; lecture begins at 19:00.Grokholski Pereulok 5, MoscowNearest Metro: Prospekt Mira

May 13, 2005Myler WilkinsonAdjunct Professor at Simon Fraser University in British Columbia, where he teaches on Russian culture;

27 May, 2005Francesca CarlinMelanie GetreuerFulbright Fellows in RussiaThe New Feminist: Men in Skirts and Dumb Blondes? An Overview of Women in Politics and the Arts

6th season (2003/2004):

November 26, 2003Ambassador of South Africa His Excellency Dr Mochubela Jacob Seekoe "On the Eve of Ten Years of Democracy in South Africa",

December 10, 2003Michele Berdy, Moscow Times columnist and professional translator"The Bilingual Mind: Culture, Language and Personality in Russian and English"

February 13, 2004
Professor Greg Garvey,
Associate Professor at SUNY State University of New York) and Co-Director of the Center of Russia and the US at Moscow State University

February 27, 2004
"Ralph Waldo Emerson and American Liberalism"Ed Salazar US Cultural Attache to Moscow will lead a discussion titled: "What Do Americans Mean When They Talk About Values?"

April 2, 2004by Dennis WhelanVisiting Scholar (Russian Studies) Dartmouth College, and Senior Partner and Director of the Center for Russian Law"In the Maw of the Mouse: Disney, RIAA, and the Ever-expanding World of Copyright"

April 23, 2004by John HelmerThe longest-serving Western correspondent in Moscow"Dancing With Bears: Why You Can't Understand Russian Politics By Reading"

May 21, 2004The last meeting of ELE for this season will be a DISCUSSION held on at 19:00 titled:"The Good, the Bad, the Ugly and the Beautiful: What Is Lost and What Is Gained in Post-Soviet Russia"
moderated by Stephen Lapeyrouse, host of ELE.

5th season (2002/2003):

October 14, 2002:Dr. William Lan Craig (Research Professor of Philosophy at Talbot School of Theology in La Mirada, California)"The Ultimate Question of Origins: God and the Beginning of the Universe"

October 18, 2002:Geoffe Meade, British Sky News Broadcasting Correspondent"The First Casualty -- the Life and Reporting Experiences of a TVCorrespondent in Danger Zones"

October 5, 2001:Johanna KowitzAssistant Cultural Affairs Officer, Public Affairs Section, American Embassy Moscow"Seeing the Spirit: One American's View of Russia"October 16, 2001:Elizabeth HereschAustrian Journalist and Author of Nine Books on Russia"Russia and the European Union"November 9, 2001:Susan KingAssociate Director, John D. And Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation Moscow"Philanthropy in Russia"

November 16, 2001:John HelmerThe Longest Serving Western Correspondent in Russia"Stealing The Truth - How To Read, And Not To Read, The Press In Russia"December 7, 2001:Steven RosenbergBBC Correspondent Moscow"Covering the News in Russia"

January 25, 2002:Robert NurickDirector, Carnegie Moscow Center (Carnegie Endowment for International Peace)"Counter-Terrorism and Civil Liberties -- the US Debates"

February 8, 2002:David FiresteinPolitical Section, US Embassy Russia"George W. Bush: Year One in the White House" February 22, 2002:Dr. Toby Clyman Professor of Russian Literature SUNY;Director - Center of Russia and the United States, Moscow State University"Nineteenth Century Russian Women's Autobiographies"

March 12, 2002:Marlene Thorn Taber, PhD"The Commercial Theater in New York City"

March 22, 2002: Michel HallotVisiting Professor of Literature, MPSU"The Television Landscape in the USA: MTV, Fragmentation and Free Speech"

April 12, 2002:David Firestein, Political Section US Embassy Moscow"God, Family, Boots, and Beer: Contemporary Country Music and the American Idea"April 26, 2002:Christopher Ohan,Ph.D. Humanities, Fulbright Scholar, Visiting Lecturer MGIMO"Globalization and the Teaching of History: The Triumph of Relativism"